Civil Aviation

Alaska Airlines Expands First Class and Premium Class Seating Options

Alaska Airlines launches AI-based software that simplifies flight scheduling

At Alaska Airlines, constantly seeking for fresh approaches to improve your journey. Whether you value the value and flexibility of Main Cabin and Saver Fare options, or you’re all about the comfort and advantages of Premium and First Class.

Alaska believes in providing you with alternatives that meet your needs. Alaska is thrilled to start adding extra First Class and Premium Class seats on more than 200 aircraft, including 900ERs, 800s, and MAX9s, in September.

This growth will increase the mainline fleet’s premium seat capacity by 1.3 million every year. This successfully upgraded the whole regional fleet earlier this year, equipping E175 aeroplanes with 400,000 Premium Class seats.

By increasing the number of seats available in these classes, making it easier than ever for guests to upgrade while also meeting the growing demand for premium seating.

Aircraft	First Class	Premium Class	Number of aircraft being retrofitted	Timing
737-800	Increasing from 12 to 16 seats	30 seats will remain	59	Conversions will begin in early 2025; to be completed by summer 2026
737-900ER	16 seats will remain	Increasing from 24 to 30 seats	79	Conversions will begin in fall 2025; to be completed by summer 2025
737-9 MAX	16 seats will remain	Increasing from 24 to 30 seats	80	Conversions will begin in spring 2025; to be completed by summer 2026

First Class

Guests have cherished the premier First Class experience in the business for many years. To give visitors the utmost comfort, it improved this product even further in collaboration with RECARO. First Class seats on the 737-800 aircraft have been updated with additional features such as USB-C charging capability, a 6-way headrest with neck support, a new seatback device holder, and a calf rest, making them the most spacious in the fleet.

Main Cabin & Premium Category

With redesigned device storage with integrated cup holders, USB-C charging, and a 6-way headrest with specific neck support, passengers travelling in the 737-800 fleet’s Main Cabin and Premium Class will continue to enjoy comfort and convenience at every seat.

As it modify the 737-900ER fleet to increase Premium Class by converting six of Main Cabin seats, these aircraft will receive an interior refresh, bringing modern touches like device holders in the main cabin to the backbone of fleet.

Meeting demand and enhancing availability

The decision to increase the number of First Class and Premium Class seats comes in response to growing demand from valued guests. Premium Cabin performance continues to support what we believe to be a structural shift in higher demand for premium products.

First Class and Premium Class revenues finished up 8% and 6% respectively, during this quarter, with our First Class load factor hitting 71% for the quarter, up 4.3 points.

Onboard, treat yourself to industry-leading food and beverage service, featuring high-quality West Coast-inspired meals and a premium selection of drinks. Alaska Airlines tech-savvy travel experience, airport investments and remarkable employees ensure you’re well taken care of every step of the way.